COURAGEOUS little Jack Boyers has taken his first steps towards fulfilling his dreams - by walking for the first time in his life.

Jack, six, suffers from cerebral palsy, which has left him partially paralysed down his right side. He also has no sense of balance.

But after receiving a fortnight's intensive physiotherapy treatment at the Peto Andras outreach centre in London, thanks to the fund-raising efforts of many local people, Jack, of Leyland, has succeeded in taking his first steps to freedom, aided.

Proud dad, Mark, said: "We can't believe it. Jack returned from London able to walk a little way. Now I'm hoping he will be able to fulfill his dearest ambition - to be able to run and play football with his friends.

"That really would be a miracle." He added: "The response to our appeal for Jack has been absolutely overwhelming.

"More than £6,500 has been raised. We can't thank everyone enough for what they have done and are still doing to help."

Jack, an avid Preston North End fan who lives with his mum, Janet, his dad and younger brother Sam, in Young Avenue, Leyland, is scheduled to fly out to a 'centre of excellence' in Budapest for more treatment later in the year in between more visits to London.

The next major money-spinner is a sponsored parachute jump. Ten volunteers have signed up.

Mark added: "Jack is determined to lead a 'normal' life. Mentally he's fine, and he already attends a mainstream school.

"Cerebral palsy hides a multitude of sins. But with Jack's guts and sheer determination to learn to walk unaided, I know he will overcome his problems and turn his dreams into reality."

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